Abstract: A method for forming a tubular sheet product roll includes providing a sheet product roll having a first configuration and a void, centering a rotational axis of the sheet product roll on a longitudinal axis of a first tool, and inserting the first tool into the void of the sheet product roll to define an inner diameter of the void and to form the sheet product roll having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for making embolization particles for occluding fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The method comprises positioning an elongated body of biocompatible material relative to a cutting device. The elongated body is defined by extrusion of a body cross-section along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is cut with a cutting device at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis to form the embolization particles such that each of the embolization particles has a particle cross-section that corresponds to the body cross-section.

Abstract: Prior to cooling, an air knife is used to remove bubbles from confectionery-filled chocolates, preferably center-filled chocolates, deposited in a mold tray, preferably using a one-shot depositor. Using the method and apparatus, it is possible to manufacture novel confectionery products, including one-shot deposited caramel-filled dark chocolates.

Abstract: A production line for producing sheets based on hydraulic binder, the production line including in an upstream zone of the production line, marking device for marking a facing material of the preform with a mark; in a downstream zone of the production line, detecting device for detecting the mark made by the marking device; a cutting device; and an actuating device for actuating said cutting device after receiving a detection signal from the detection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to forming stuffed mincemeat by producing a continuous lower layer of mincemeat, placing a filling on the lower layer, producing a continuous upper layer of mincemeat covering the lower layer and the filling, then cutting the stuffed mincemeat into portions and shaping the portions by compressing them on each side, in order to form the contour thereof, and also vertically in order to provide them with the desired thickness.

Abstract: Powder metallurgy techniques are utilised to form components and in particular titanium components in moulds. By the nature of the powder forming process, closed surfaces are created in the powder formed component, particularly when hot iso-static pressing techniques are utilised. In order to create surface texturing, and in particular entrant features, a mould lining is associated such that it reciprocates the shape of an underlying mould. The mould lining incorporates surface discontinuities such as holes, slots, spots or folds which result, once the moulded material is formed, in entrant features which can be utilised to enhance bonding through adhesives or other surface features beneficial to a component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating pre-stressed zones in concrete. In one embodiment, a circular blade is coated with a chemical which retards the setting of the concrete. The circular blade is then rolled through the wet concrete, thus transferring the retarding chemical from the blade into the concrete. The region of wet concrete that has the retarding chemical introduced into it does not set until after the surrounding concrete has set and shrunk, thus creating a pre-stressed zone which typically manifests itself as a crack, visible upon setting of the wet concrete. Other embodiments describe alternative ways of introducing the chemical into the wet concrete.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a high-precision mold whereby a feature matching a desired feature design is carved into a hard mold material (41) using, for example, a diamond grinding wheel and/or a diamond turning point. Inherent imprecision and errors (49) introduced by the use of the grinding wheel/turning point are measured to determine deviations from the desired feature design. An ultrafast shortpulse laser is then activated to desirably ablate the deviations, thereby correcting the errors and conforming the feature to the desired shape. Furthermore, a thin film (1602) may be formed over the feature either prior to or after the laser ablation process, where the error measurement and laser ablation processes detects and ablates errors on the surface of the thin film, respectively. Additionally, the laser ablation process may be applied directly to, for example, an optical lens (1400) formed from an imprecise mold to remove any errors and imperfections thereon.

Abstract: A system for processing at least one rope of aerated confectionery foam. The system includes extruding at least one rope of aerated confectionery foam from an extruder. The rope is conveyed from the extruder to a rotary cutter. An anti-sticking agent, such as powdered starch, is applied to the rope as the rope is conveyed from the extruder to the rotary cutter. Finally, the rope is cut into pieces with the rotary cutter. In one preferred embodiment, the rotary cutter is operated to perform at least 5,000 cuts per minute.

Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic article having a non-linear shape includes a mold configured to receive a partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article and to form the partially-cured fiber-reinforced plastic article into a spirally wound shape. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mold and configured to rotate the mold such that the fiber-reinforced plastic article is taken up on the mold. An energy source is operatively associated with the mold and positioned so that the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article is cured in a spirally wound shape as the article is taken up on the longitudinally extending mold. The pultrusion apparatus allows for continuously shaping a non-linear fiber-reinforced plastic article, obviating the need for any of the work to be done by hand, which may be labor intensive, not as highly reproducible, and potentially contaminating.

Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic article having a non-linear shape includes a mold configured to receive a partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article and to form the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article into a spirally wound shape. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mold and configured to rotate the mold such that the fiber-reinforced plastic article is taken up on the mold. An energy source is operatively associated with the mold and positioned so that the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article is cured in a spirally wound shape as the article is taken up on the longitudinally extending mold. The pultrusion apparatus allows for continuously shaping a non-linear fiber-reinforced plastic article, obviating the need for any of the work to be done by hand, which may be labor intensive, not as highly reproducible, and potentially contaminating.

Abstract: A remote terminal includes a receiver stage for receiving a transmitted signal and for delivering an analog signal. The remote terminal further includes an analog/digital converter for converting the analog signal to a digital signal, and a processing stage for processing the digital signal. The analog/digital converter is a delta-sigma converter having adjustable parameters, and the processing stage includes a tuning circuit for adjusting these parameters on the fly as a function of the transmission standard, of the actual rate of transmission of the useful data, and of the actual conditions of reception.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying food dough forms blocks of food dough that are continuously supplied into a sheet or belt of food dough and then divides it into chunks of food dough that have preset weights.

Abstract: A web of flexible material, such as paper and nonwoven material is embossed by printing the web in a selected pattern by bringing it into a first nip between an impression roll and a printing roll carrying a colorant in a selected pattern; subsequently embossing the web by bringing it into a second nip between a pattern roll and the impression roll, the pattern roll having a three dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions, the three dimensional pattern being interrupted by relatively smooth areas, so that the web will be embossed in selected areas while leaving other areas substantially unembossed; the pattern roll and printing roll being synchronized so that embossing occurs mainly in the areas of web that are not printed in the selected pattern. The printing and embossing steps may also be reversed so that the web is embossed before printing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the in-line production of composite strand material and the conversion of at least a portion of the strand material into a composite product. The apparatus (10) includes a combining station (48) where glass fibers (14) with a second polymeric material (66) are combined to form composite strand material (16), and at least one mold (54) for receiving a portion of the composite strand material and forming the portion into a composite product. The apparatus also includes transfer equipment for moving the composite strand material from the combining station to the mold, which may include a computer-controlled robotic arm (52). In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a collecting device (18) for accumulating the composite strand material (16) in looped form and equipment for delivering the accumulated portion from the collecting device to the mold (54).

Abstract: A process is disclosed for extruding and coating foodstuffs, in which the foodstuff is extruded by means of an extruder device and, after the extrusion, is cut off by means of a cutting device (4, 5), the material (11), after leaving the extrusion die (2), being sprayed with at least one additive before it is cut off; furthermore, a device for carrying out the process is disclosed, which has an extruder screw for feeding the material (11) to be extruded, which is extruded through an extrusion die (2) and, after extrusion, is cut off by means of a cutting device (4, 5), at least one additive being sprayed onto the extruded material (1i) by means of at least one spray device (7) before the said extruded material (11) is cut off.

Abstract: A system for the continuous production of asphalt-based roofing shakes which are tapered and embossed to resemble wood shakes in looks and function; and the shake made thereby. The continuous production system hot-mixes and extrudes the ingredients in a tapered layer on a conveyor belt for embossing and cutting. The system permits wood-shake type variety in size and appearance. The preferred shake includes perlite as a filler and chopped glass fibers as a reinforcer and may be internally colored.

Abstract: This method and apparatus provide for uniformly coating a hot elongate member with a powder coating. The elongate member and power carry an electrostatic charge which aids in providing the uniform powder coating. This method and apparatus electrostatically charge and heat the elongated member prior to entering a powder coating booth. In the booth, we sequentially discharge the powder coating, electrostatically charge the powder coating and then coat the elongated member with the charged powder coating. In one development, this method and apparatus uniformly powder coats window lineals directly on a pultrusion line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a polyester fiber which cools a plurality of molten polyester fibers from a spinnert 2 to a temperature below a glass transition point, then takes up the fibers by a non-heating first godet roller at a take-up speed less than 4,000 m/min, heat-stretching the fibers between the first godet roller and a non-heating second godet roller 10 inside a normal pressure steam atmosphere (first heat-treating device 8) higher than the glass transition point of the polyester fiber, and heat-treats the fiber by a pressurized steam atmosphere (second heat-treating device 9) higher than 105.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping the center space of toilet rolls by inserting a shaping core into each end of the center space, and then withdrawing the cores. The diameter of each shaping core decreases toward the front end of the core.

Abstract: A triturate tablet machine for molding wet powder tablets which has five processing stations which respectively supply wet powder, mold the wet powder into openings in a mold plate, lubricate both ends of the tablets, bevel each end of the tablets and eject the tablets so as to continuously and automatically manufacture wet powder tablets.

Abstract: A sensor controlled apparatus for making a thin strudel type pastry which mixes, spreads and conveys a thin strudel layer on a film through various process stages such as depositing oil, sugar, cinnamon and nuts filling so that the resultant product can be cut rolled and baked.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for printing material on an extruded plastic tubing. An extruder forms the plastic tubing of the desired diameter and thickness. The tubing is then drawn through a cooling bath by a pulling mechanism, and cut into desired lengths. The tubing may be dried after the cooling process, and an ink jet printer is utilized to print on the tubing as it is being drawn to be cut. A computer controls the printing process in correlation with the tubing cutter to provide a print signal to the printer in accordance with the desired lengths of tubing. The print heads of the printer are also three-dimensionally adjustable so as to center the printed material on the desired size and length of tubing to be cut.

Abstract: The mass to be extruded is forced into an extrusion duct (die) (1) so as to make it emerge in the extruded state from the outlet end (3) of the duct in a direction (2) generally-axial of the duct itself. An annular flow of fluid is generated around the outlet end (3) of the extrusion duct (1), oriented in an axial direction relative to the extrusion duct (1), and surrounds the extruded mass, preventing it from bending accidentally. The extruded mass is divided into pieces by a cutting operation (9) carried out within (7) the zone in which the annular flow of fluid acts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a charge used in molding a fiber reinforced part. Continuous strands of fibers are impregnated with resin and then cut into segments of predetermined lengths. The segments are collected so that the resin impregnated fiber segments are piled together to form the charge. In one embodiment, the fibers are collected in a controlled manner to provide preselected fiber orientation for the molded part. Also a cutter mechanism is provided for cutting resin impregnated fiber strands pulled over a first rotating drum.

Abstract: Shaped ammunication for tubular weapons in the form of nitrocellulose-based combustible cartridge cases are continuously produced in a screw extruder from an aqueous suspension, stabilizers, flammable fibrous material, binders and optionally plasticizers being supplied to the suspension. The fibre-like constituents are matted in kneading and pressing zones, accompanied by the simultaneous squeezing out of the water, being shaped to an endless tubular structure, which is then cut to the length of the individual cartridge cases and is optionally also pressed to the desired dimensions and shape. Advantageously use is made of a double shaft screw extruder with kneading and pressing segments, as well as a water outlet, which is provided at its end with a tubular die. A following pressing and cutting to length means is arranged behind the extruder.

Abstract: Dust-pressed plates (P) are trimmed to a predetermined peripheral profile by means of three milling cutters rotating at around 12,000 r.p.m. The cutters are uniformly spaced about a central axis and operate simultaneously on the periphery of a plate while the plate is rotated about the axis. The cutters are located during trimming by means of a profile cam which is in registration with the plate mounted on a ware support. To ensure registration with the cam, a plate is centered by a centering unit before being orientated by orientating mechanism and transferred to the ware support. Each plate is delivered to the centering unit with a reference feature at a predetermined position on its periphery, the orientating mechanism being arranged to search for that feature before rotating the plate to bring it into the required orientation for registration with the cam.

Abstract: A texturing system for brick fabrication comprising a plurality of slapping members mounted to at least one transmission belt for engaging individual edges of bricks within an array of bricks. The bricks are positioned beneath the slapping members while in a deformable state. An array of staggered lifting plates are positioned beneath the bricks for exposing opposite edge portions thereof to the slapping elements. The transmission belt is driven transversely to the movement of the bricks array for imparting the texturing force of the slapping elements to the underlying bricks along upstanding edge portions thereof. A series of three transmission belts are preferably used above a staggered pattern of two plate rows for treating the longitudinal sides of all bricks within an array. In this manner, an improved rough, used brick appearance may be imparted to individual brick elements while disposed in a common fabrication array.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a process of manufacturing drawn tubing, in which steps of applying a lubricant to the surface of a bottomed blank fitted on a mandrel, pushing out the mandrel to draw the blank through a die, and pulling in the drawn blank together with the mandrel out of the die are repeated in the recited order. The drawn blank is turned a predetermined angle, e.g., 180 degrees on the axis thereof during each of the repeating steps i.e., during or after the pulling step. As a result, the lubricant can be applied to another portion of the blank surface at a second or subsequent applying step so that the working conditions which might otherwise become different to cause the drawn blank to have a locally irregular or offset thickness can be made uniform in the circumferential direction of the blank.

Abstract: Reinforced facings, including reinforcing webs entrained in hydraulic cement via a slurry bath, adhere to a nailable lightweight aggregate cementitious core to form a panel web. The reinforced web is formed on abutting conveyed carrier sheets, and the web is transversely cut, between the sheets, while moving or when stopped, in response to sensing of the sheets. The cut panels, on respective sheets are stacked for curing without damaging the panel edges and in a manner to minimize panel flex. Slurry bath, facing applicators, and cutter and stacking apparatus are included.

Abstract: A process for automatically and continuously manufacturing lasagne by forming a continuous sheet of pasta which contains first through fifth longitudinal surface area rows; passing the pasta under a first sauce dispenser which dispenses different kinds of sauces onto the middle three surface area rows of the sheet of pasta; folding the respective outer surface area rows over the respective next inner surface area rows; dispensing additional sauce over an exposed surface of one of the outer folded surface area rows; and further folding the sheet of pasta so that the first through fifth surface area rows are vertically aligned. Subsequently, the sheet of pasta is cut into predetermined sizes, and each predetermined size is placed into its own corresponding food tray. Thereafter, each predetermined size of lasagne is frozen. This process allows lasagne to be efficiently and quickly produced at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of ravioli and like products characterized by a base, sidewalls rising from the base, a forming roller rotatably coupled to the sidewalls, a platen roller rotatably coupled to the sidewalls in proximity to the forming roller, and means for feeding two sheets of ravioli dough and associated ravioli filling between the two rollers. The forming roller is generally cylindrical and is provided with a cutting grid around its curved surface and a number of ravioli forming areas located within the interstices of the cutting grid. Each ravioli forming area includes a centrally located, saddle shaped relief surrounded by at least one, but preferably two, sealing ridges.

Abstract: A machine assembly for producing lengthy rolls of bakery products such as biscuits and the like, wherein the machine includes an inlet work station having a device for forming a plurality of separate bars of dough and the machine also includes an outlet work station having a device for forming a continuous spiral in each of the bars of dough with the spirals interlocking to form a braided roll of dough. The machine assembly further includes a conveyor assembly for transporting the bars of dough between the inlet and outlet work stations while kneading and rolling the bars into their final configuration.

Abstract: A plurality of reinforced plastic parts are simultaneously molded from separate bundles of resin impregnated strands wound about individual frame sections of a substantially planar frame assembly. A loading station includes a dual-acting elongated carrier engaging the multi-sectioned frame assembly and initially rotatable to wind the bundle of strands thereon. Subsequent reciprocation of the carrier delivers the wound frame assembly to a molding station provided with a plurality of mating pairs of molded sections and having displaceable frame supporting and bundle clamping assemblies for engaging the wound frame assembly and severing opposite ends of the bundles as the mold sections close within the individual frame sections.

Abstract: A ridge remover for smoothing and shaping rod surfaces where jointure marks occur in fibrous rod manufacture when made using a porous belt garniture device.

Abstract: Manufacture of a non-woven web of man-made filaments in which one or more strands of filaments, directed parallel to each other, leaving one or more spinnerets are forwarded, each, by means of an air jet to a spreading plate for the filaments, and the resulting layer of spread filaments and air leaves the plate and advances to a moving support, upon which the filaments are deposited randomly to form a web which will then be bonded in known manner. In order to improve the isotropy of the web, the layer of spread filaments and air is guided to a fixed deflector plate forming a slit with the discharge edge of the stationary spreading plate, said slit allowing passage of the filaments but braking the air carried along with the filaments, and the layer is then subjected to an air jet directed transversely to the path of said deflected web and generally in a direction parallel to the surface of the moving support.

Abstract: A continuous fiber reinforced pultruded rod-like reinforcing element is disclosed. This rod-like element includes at least one groove and/or protrusion along its length, with the continuous reinforcing fibers in the protrusions or surrounding the grooves generally conforming to the pattern of the outer surface of the rod. Preferably, the protrusions and/or grooves form a generally helical pattern on the surface of the rod. The rods formed by the instant invention have utility in reinforcing such structures as concrete, mine roofs, plastics and the like. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for producing these stock materials.

Abstract: A system for the production of dipped taper candles, including an overhead conveyor system supporting mobile carrier racks for formation of the candles in suspended relation from the rack, and including a wicking station for providing rows of candle wicks in generally tensioned suspended relation from a carrier rack, a dipping station for automatically dipping said wicks on the rack through a predetermined number of dipping cycles, a cutoff station for cutting off the bases including the wick tensioning weights of the candles suspended from the carrier rack, a butt forming station for heat forming the cut butt ends of candles suspended from the carrier rack, and a cut down station for expeditiously cutting down the carrier rack rows of the candles formed on the candle wicks and for collecting the same for further processing. The invention also provides a novel method of producing physically uniform candles in mass production batches.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating an axially moving tubular form by depositing a coating medium on a surface of the form, and spreading the deposited medium around at least part of the surface in a direction transverse to the movement of the form. The technique is suitable for the deposition of a uniform coating of a flowable medium on a tubular film-forming substrate--particularly in the production of antistatic polyolefin films.